Happy St. Patrick’s Day! It is the day of wearing green, thinking green, even drinking green! On our trip to Ireland we learned many things but foremost was the importance of St. Patrick in the very psyche of the culture of the island.
St. Patrick lived in the fifth Century. The exact dates of his birth and death are unknown but there is evidence that he was active in his missionary work in the later part of the fifth century. One of our first stops when we arrived in Dublin was the beautiful and impressive St. Patrick’s Cathedral. It was stunning in its architecture and history. One of our last stops was to St. Patrick’s grave in Downpatrick. At the Museum there we were treated to a movie about St. Patrick and his influence in the establishment and preservation of Christianity.
St. Patrick was much more pious than any of the shenanigans that will happen today. He was raised in an English home but was kidnapped by pirates when he was 16 years old. He was taken to Ireland and sold as a slave. He worked as a shepherd for an Irish Chieftain for six years. During this time his spirituality deepened and he spent many hours in prayer. He managed to escape and make his way back to England. Patrick trained for the priesthood and before too long he had a dream that God was calling him back to Ireland to teach the people about Christianity. He stayed in Ireland for 30 years travelling and establishing churches. During this time he kept a diary which has given us an insight into his life.
St. Patrick, like many Irish, had the heart of a poet. He used his skill with words to teach about God and we still use some of those words in hymns and prayers today. Here is, in part, one poem/prayer attributed to St. Patrick. Your will see the Celtic influence in it…
I arise today
Through the strength of high heaven;
Light of the sun,
Splendour of fire,
Speed of lightening,
Swiftness of the wind,
Depth of the sea,
Stability of the earth,
Firmness of the rock….
I arise today
through the mighty strength
of the Lord of Creation.
Thank you Patrick for your inspiration that lasts even to today.
